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It emerged that her details had been widely traded between charities because she was known to be generous.

Those who do not want to be contacted by charity cold callers would be able to join the register to stop charities contacting them.

The move would enable people who feel pressured by aggressive fundraising tactics to put a stop to further demands for donations.

Relatives concerned about a vulnerable family member would also be able to sign them up to the service to protect them from fundraising calls.

Charities would not be allowed to contact those on the list - even if they have donated in the past or if the charity believes they have "opted in".

The review, led by Sir Stuart Etherington, from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, also said charities could be banned from certain forms of fundraising - such as old calls and mail shots - if they break stricter rules proposed for the sector.

It added that the main fundraising regulator, the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB), should be scrapped.

Sir Stuart said: "We have to make sure that we restore public confidence in charity.

"Not all charities behaved in this manner, indeed I suspect it was very few, but we've got to tackle those problems, otherwise I think the charity brand, if you like, will be damaged."

The review heard from members of the public who were "frustrated about the lack of control" over how many times they were contacted with fundraising requests.

SWNS

The crackdown on fundraising comes after the death of veteran poppy seller Olive Cooke

We have to make sure that we restore public confidence in charity

Sir Stuart Etherington

People were also angry about the "lack of transparency over how their data was acquired in the first place", the report found.

It concluded that it was "not right that it is so much easier to get on to a fundraising contact list than it is to get off."

The report stated: "At the moment, there is no way to 'opt out' of being approached by fundraisers, other than by contacting the organisation concerned directly and replying on their good will.

"A mechanism should exist whereby a person can quickly and easily exempt themselves from being contacted."

The new Fundraising Preference service would allow individuals to add their name to a "suppression list" so charities have a clear indication of who does not wish to be contacted.

The review said: "This would provide a person with a full opt-out, completely preventing the receipt of unsolicited contact by charities and other fundraising organisations."